Structuralism and post-structuralism

 Part 1: Media Factsheet reading

Use our brilliant Media Factsheet archive to find Factsheet #90 Applying Structuralism and Post-Structuralism. Read the Factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What is the definition of structuralism provided by the Factsheet? 

Structuralism is a theoretical perspective that emphasises the existence of universal structures underlying the surface differences and assumed randomness of various cultures,stories and media texts.

2) What are binary oppositions and why are they important?

Binary oppositions are pairs of mutually exclusive terms or concepts,like good or evil,hot or cold,that are defined by their opposition to one another.This concept was made byy levi strauss.

3) How do genre and auteur theory link to structuralism? 

Structuralism influences genre and auteur theory by analyzing them as systems of recurring elements and conventions rather than isolated works.

4) Look at page 4 of the factsheet. What is post-structuralism?

Post structuralism questions structuralism's emphasis on fixed meanings and underlying structures,arguing that meanings is fluid,unstable,and shaped by power dynamics and context

5) What is your own opinion on this theory? Do you agree that we use established structures to understand the media (such as narrative and genre) or is the power now with audiences in a digital, post-structuralist media landscape? 

I feel like our society used to be structuralism.This is because back in the 1900s we had fixed meanings on the world due to access being very limited.Furthermore Tv's only contained two channels which meant that people were restricted from learning other things.However nowerdays I believe that society is post structuralism.This is because we can choose the media we consume by our prefrences.As well as this there is a lot more media around us in the world so we are not limited by what we want to watch.

Part 2: The Mitchells vs The Machines analysis

Watch the trailer for The Mitchells vs The Machines: 

Write an analysis of the trailer from both a structuralist and post-structuralist perspective. 

Structural perspective-The genre of this movie is sci-fi.This can be easily denoted and connoted through the use of high technology and futuristic colours within the trailer.As well as this the movie follows typical family conventions in real life and shows.This is further because normally us as people we fight with our parents however at times when there is problems we can come together and work together to help everyone.This film also follows typical action sci-fi conventions as people are trying to save the world and fight against robots.As well as this it could be argued that this film contains typical stereotypes of an american family.This is because it contains mum,dad,two kids,dog.

Post-structural perspective-It could be argued that ai has taken over the world and society is highly under threat.As well as this the trailer subverts structural views as we see children fighting robots much more than parents which shows a power dynamic.Furthermore the family dynamic is also very unique which subverts typical family culture.Normally the typical american family conventions contain a happy family with no arguments and everybody loves eachother.Contrastingly in this film the family dont seem to work togehter and always has arguments which could relate to a typical british family